Week 2: Depth Chart Noteables

John Watson

09/09/2010

There's not much new going on with the Duke depth chart heading into the second game of the season against Wake Forest. Though a few changes have been made and last weeks' performances will likely factor into the rotational exercises.

The offensive skill positions along the depth chart remain consistent from week one as Duke heads to Winston Salem on Saturday. Under center will be sophomore signal caller Sean Renfree after his 300 plus yard debut as a starter. The top backup remains Brandon Connette who provides a different look for the Blue Devils when he's on the field as a much more mobile quarterback with a propensity to take off on the ground for big gains down the field.

At running back Desmond Scott is once again named the starter backed up by junior Jay Hollingsworth. Both players had their highlights a week ago with Scott taking off on a big 34 yard scamper to open the season's scoring and Hollingsworth finding the end zone for Duke's final touchdown. And while both players will continue to headline the depth chart, head coach David Cutcliffe has indicated that true freshmen Juwan Thompson and Joshua Snead will see a number of carries as well after combining for 15 carries resulting in 55 yards and a touchdown.

The receivers will also remain consistent with Conner Vernon and Donovan Varner as the top two wideouts. Joining them on paper is Austin Kelly who missed a start last week due to being banged up for extended portions of the preseason. In his place was Tony Foster, though it would appear Kelly has practiced well enough to piggyback his three catch for 27 yard performance last week and earn the start in Winston Salem.

On the defensive side of the ball the switch to a 3-4 defense allowed Duke to apply pressure to the opposing quarterback, but also put additional responsibilities on the Blue Devil defensive backs. The results were somewhat mixed in that regard, but the rotation on the front three and the back four remain mostly consistent.

Patrick Egboh continues to hold down his starting defensive end position opposite of last week's starter Wesley Oglesby while third year sophomore Kenny Anunike is the first reserve. Redshirt freshman Justin Foxx will also get several snaps after a big debut last week in which he registered one of Duke's two sacks. At nose guard the Blue Devils once again start Charlie Hatcher who is backed up by Curtis Hazelton.

The defensive backfield will be looking for an improved performance in coverage from the same group. The cornerbacks will once again be redshrirt freshman Ross Cockrell opposite Chris Rwabukamba. Converted receiver Johnny Williams will be the top backup at corner followed by redshirt freshman Garrett Patterson. In the middle Duke will once again go with safeties Matt Daniels and Lee Butler. The duo is backed up by Jordon Byas and Walt Canty. That foursome combined to record 22 tackles, three pass breakups, and one interception against the Phoenix.

The special teams rotation appears to be settled with kicker Will Snyderwine as the top option for both field goals and kickoffs. The returners will once again be running backs Thompson and Patrick Kurunwune while defensive backs Williams and Butler handle punt returns.